Does anyone have a portrait sample using 2 different lens like a f/1.2/1.4/1.8 vs. f/2.8?

[TrekRover]

I don't usually do portraits, but I was wondering how big the difference is between a f/1.4 and f/2.8 is? Is it just the bokeh is more smooth with a bigger aperture?

So far I only have mostly zooms (12-24 f/2.8, 24-70 g/2.8, and 70-200 f/2.8) and a 600mm f/4 prime. Wondering how big the difference is for a prime designed for portraits?

[tonygale]

By coincidence I shot all these last week, not the exact same lighting setup, but same model and similar framing. The difference in f/stop will change how shallow the depth of field is and thus more or less bokeh. However the focal length will also have an impact, a longer lens with the same framing will have shallower depth of field. Then the lens itself will affect the character of the bokeh. The 100mm STF has smother bokeh by design, but the 135mm has shallower depth of field because it is a 1.8 and a longer focal length.

#FE 135mm F1.8 GM #FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM OSS #FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II a7RV

[LensBrew]

To add to what Tony has mentioned above, the prime glass usually gives a smoother transition between and in and out of focus areas. This does give the image a more appealing look. There is also less glass inside, thus less optical defects, such as distortion and aberrations.

If you're on a budget, I suggest to get the 85mm 1.8, otherwise I recommend my favorite the 135mm 2.8 GM.

[TrekRover]

By coincidence I shot all these last week, not the exact same lighting setup, but same model and similar framing. The difference in f/stop will change how shallow the depth of field is and thus more or less bokeh. However the focal length will also have an impact, a longer lens with the same framing will have shallower depth of field. Then the lens itself will affect the character of the bokeh. The 100mm STF has smother bokeh by design, but the 135mm has shallower depth of field because it is a 1.8 and a longer focal length.

#FE 135mm F1.8 GM #FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM OSS #FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II a7RV

Thanks @tonygale this is exactly what I was looking for! I can definitely see the bokeh and depth of field difference between the 1.8 vs the 2.8

[TrekRover]

To add to what Tony has mentioned above, the prime glass usually gives a smoother transition between and in and out of focus areas. This does give the image a more appealing look. There is also less glass inside, thus less optical defects, such as distortion and aberrations.

If you're on a budget, I suggest to get the 85mm 1.8, otherwise I recommend my favorite the 135mm 2.8 GM.

Thank you @LensBrew for the lens recommendations! After seeing Tony's photos, I want to get a portrait prime lens now 😄

[LensBrew]

Thank you @LensBrew for the lens recommendations! After seeing Tony's photos, I want to get a portrait prime lens now 😄

Tony is superb at what he does and makes photography very appealing.

I use primes for almost everything. I can live with primes only and they would serve my work perfectly.

[DJYoshi]

The bokeh and focus fall off also is determined by your focal length.  I know wedding and portrait photographers who shoot WIDE open at 1.4 depending on the lens that they're shooting with and the distance to the subjects.  My fave to shoot portraits with is 85mm and you can back up crop it and shoot a little more open instead of filling the frame in camera (only recommended if you have the pixels to do it). But generally I'll shoot portraits F4 to F5.6 depending on the person's skin/features

check out this video with Miguel Quiles.